BAGHDAD, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi President Barham Salih on Tuesday called for reducing the tension in the Middle East, while highlighting the importance of strengthening cooperation in combating extremism and terrorism.
Salih's comments came during his meeting with Kenneth McKenzie, commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Salih's office said in a statement.
"President Salih stressed on the need to reduce tension in the region in a way that consolidates joint action and enhances regional and international security," the statement said.
The Iraqi leader also "emphasized the importance of strengthening security and military cooperation in combating extremism and terrorism," it added.
For his part, McKenzie confirmed his country's continued support for the Iraqi forces to eradicate terrorism, it said, adding that the two sides also reviewed the latest political and security developments on Arab and international levels.
The U.S. military delegation's visit to Iraq came a day after the United States designated Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a "foreign terrorist organization," a move that will further worsen the U.S.-Iran relations and further complicate the Middle East situation.
In retaliation, Iran on Monday designated CENTCOM and all its affiliates as "a terrorist group."
Over 5,000 U.S. troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against the Islamic State (IS) militants, mainly by providing training and advising services.
The troops were part of the U.S.-led international coalition that has also been conducting air raids against IS targets in both Iraq and Syria.
